How do I move beyond camera technique and develop an eye for stronger photographs?
Asked 1/13/2011
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2 answers
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I understand exposure, focus, and camera controls, and I can make technically correct images. But my photos often still feel flat or lifeless. I’m trying to figure out how to move from being someone who knows the gear to someone who can make more expressive, compelling photographs.
What should I be thinking about when framing and making an image besides settings like aperture and ISO? How do photographers develop style, vision, or an artistic eye?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
10
You, my friend, are staring down the barrel of four years of art school!
Not really... Though I do often recommend auditing an art history class to my own students and I've never seen a student that didn't improve as a photographer after taking one. But whether you take a formal class or not, you do need to become a student of art the same way you became a student of the technical aspects of photography. Studying the 'language' of photography, light, shadow, composition, subject, message... These are all aspects of photography that you'll want to delve into.
The books that mattdm suggests are excellent starting points, but I don't believe it's possible to become a really good photographer without frequent interaction with fellow photographers. I highly recommend finding a mentor, or a 'photography society' in your area. Ask for critiques- the more brutal the better. I know it doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun, but believe me, the first time someone asks you "what were you thinking with that mess of a photograph?" you will be changed. And later when someone asks you "no really... what were you thinking" with a photograph and you actually have an answer, you will be changed again.
Give critiques. Even if you don't exactly know what that means. Learn to talk about what works or doesn't work for you when you see a picture. The more you interact, the faster you will become more than just a taker of snapshots with the most expensive camera in the room.
Or you can do what I did and... go to four years of art school. :-)
Originally by user2838. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2838
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Technical skill is necessary, but it isn’t enough on its own. To make stronger photographs, start studying photography as an art, not just a device.
Focus on the visual language of an image: light, shadow, composition, subject, mood, and message. Ask yourself what you want the photo to say, what point of view you’re bringing, and whether the frame supports that idea. Strong images usually communicate something, not just record it.
It also helps to study other art and photographers. Art history, museums, magazines, photobooks, and online galleries can train your eye and show you how others use framing and light to create meaning. Two commonly recommended books are The Photographer’s Eye and The Photographer’s Mind by Michael Freeman.
Finally, get feedback. Interaction with other photographers—through a mentor, critique group, or class—can accelerate growth because others can point out what is and isn’t working.
In short: keep your technical foundation, but practice seeing. Think less about buttons and more about intent, emotion, story, and design.
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